Joe Paterno Has Died, Family Confirmed

January 22, 2012 15:47:10 GMT

Less than 24 hours after the former coach's rep said that he was in serious condition, it was announced by his family that he had passed away.

Just hours after it was reported that legendary former football coach at Penn State University, Joe Paterno, was in critical condition, news came that he has died at the age of 85. Paterno has been battling treatable form of lung cancer and he experienced complications from the cancer treatment in the past week.

"He died as he lived. He fought hard until the end, stayed positive, thought only of others and constantly reminded everyone of how blessed his life had been," his family said in a statement. "His ambitions were far reaching, but he never believed he had to leave this Happy Valley to achieve them. He was a man devoted to his family, his university, his players and his community."

Paterno holds the record for most victories by a Division I football coach with 405 while leading the Nittany Lions. He was the coach at Penn State for 46 years, until he was fired by the school last November following the sexual abuse scandal against his former assistant coach, Jerry Sandusky.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests that donations be made to the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania or the Penn State-THON, The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon.